This is NOT meant to be depressing or negative.  I just want to express a point that has taken me years to learn.

I was raised a Mormon in a Mormon town with a Mormon world-view.  I've been driven to see what is on the other side  of the mountain, though, so I've done what it took to go there and see it.  I'm posting this from Japan where I work today as a scientist.  Stop trying to 'get over' being a Mormon.

Once, I sat around a table of people in Europe.  I did not know any of them, but the time was right and we were getting to know each other.   I declared that I was a Mormon, in the usual testimonial style.  I thought I was coming out of some sort of closet.  Not so.  I was greeted by blank stares.  Not one of these world travellers knew what a Mormon was!

How's that for a reality check, Brothers and Sisters?

Get out of your Mom's basement, even if only figuratively.  Look up the number of religious and social movements that can claim a membership of a few million.  We aren't so special.  One of the lessons I keep from my upbringing is the impotance of humility.  Next time you get over-wrought about being an ex-Mormon, just try to think about the bigger picture.  The world is not divided between Zion and the Mission Field(tm).  It's much bigger!